The Eldredge’s Fruitful Hilltop

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Petaluma

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

This garden is also featured in the Daily Acts Rockin’ Homestead Tour

IN THE BEGINNING THERE WERE DUMPSTERS. When this garden began it’s new life in 1984 it was truly a mid 20th century low maintenance yard– in severe geriatric neglect. Packed lawns and red lava rock were ringed at the edges with aged and overgrown juniper, holly and pyracantha. Gnarled algerian ivy vines, knee deep and as big around as your arm, had given way to mature 6 foot tall ivy trees.

35 years later this ordinary plot of urban land supports 21 bearing fruit trees and vines, perennial and seasonal edibles, native and pollinator plants, above and below ground rain catchment systems and living rooms and secret places to socialize or sit quietly. It has has been home and refuge to children, grown ups, dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, worms, insects and wild birds, from hummingbirds to owls. The focus has been on creating plantings that extend visually with the views beyond, observing what wants to evolve, water efficiency, growing food for people and animals, and joyful maintenance.

Caution: This site has several elevation changes, stairs, and rocky walkways.

Parking: This site is located at the top of a hill with poor visibility. Please walk and drive carefully.

Plant List

City of Petaluma Mulch Madness Program

Between April 1 and October 1 the City of Petaluma is offering free mulch, compost, cardboard, an irrigation conversion kit and free native plants from a local native plant nursery to those customers who wish to sheet mulch their existing turf. This even includes delivery of the mulch, compost and cardboard. It’s Madness! Further details about the program are available here.